New Perspectives of Marius Hills by MRM Data From CE-2 Lunar Orbiter

Abstract

Marius Hills volcanic complex (MHVC) comprises one of the densest volcanic structures on the Moon and is of significant interest for comprehending lunar volcanism. In this article, brightness temperature (TB), normalized TB, and brightness temperature difference were first generated based on microwave radiometer (MRM) data from the ChangE-2 Lunar Orbiter and (FeO+TiO2) abundance was calculated from Clementine ultraviolet-visible data to investigate the microwave thermal emissions and evolutionary history of the MHVC. The results are as follows. First, surface composition derived from the optical data is strongly influenced by impact events, and MRM data can better reflect the thermophysical properties of surface deposits. Second, a notable concentration of high TB values at daytime suggests an enrichment of volcanic activities. Third, later volcanic activities are indicated by the TB performances at daytime and night in multiple regions. Finally, a hot anomaly was detected by MRM data, suggesting the higher substrate temperature and the existence of a potential hidden volcanic structure. The results suggest that MRM data provide new insights into the evolutionary history of the MHVC, as well as an important perspective for lunar thermal evolution.

Keywords

• Lunar volcanism
• Marius hills
• microwave thermal emission (MTE)
• thermal anomaly